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Research paper thumbnail of The Charge Is Ours: Teaching Elementary School Mathematics through Best Practices and Common Core Initiatives

The Delta Kappa Gamma bulletin, 2015

As a university professor of elementary education whose primary focus is to train preservice and ... more As a university professor of elementary education whose primary focus is to train preservice and practicing teachers in the best methods for teaching primary and middle grade mathematics, I have encountered countless dispositions and preconceived notions of what it means to be a quality mathematics teacher. The old-fashioned methodology of having one's students work the even problems from the assigned text during class and the odd problems for homework surprisingly still exists among many. Research has shown the need for instructional shifts in the mathematics classroom for many years (Mathematics Association of America [MAA], 2008). However, the present evolution of public educational systems has changed what was once merely a research-based indication of the need for an instructional change to a full-on demand for such a shift through the Common Core State Standards.The Common Core State Standards have called for significant shifts within the mathematics curriculum."These...

Research paper thumbnail of Service-Learning and Student Attitudes

Academic Exchange Quarterly, Mar 22, 2006

Abstract This study sought to investigate the effects of the Lighthouse Partnership After-School ... more Abstract This study sought to investigate the effects of the Lighthouse Partnership After-School Service-Learning Program on middle school students' attitudes and actions related to social and academic responsibility. Results indicated that the Lafayette Middle School students participating in the Lighthouse Partnership After-School Service-Learning Program showed statistically significant increases in Social and Academic Responsibility scores. Introduction Our nation is starving for dutiful citizens who will help care for each other and our country. The National Commission on Civic Renewal (1998) reported a rapid decline in both the quantity and quality of citizen engagement. It stated that "our overall civic condition is weaker than it was--and in need of significant improvement" (p. 23). The report recommended more research be conducted to determine how educators might rebuild positive citizen engagement from within the school system. Such engagement is thought to result in a more active and productive American society and government. The National Commission on Civic Renewal does not stand alone with the notion that positive citizen engagement may be rebuilt from within the school system. Current research indicates a relationship between the formation of citizenship and school experiences, a link between academic responsibility and social responsibility, and identifies the need for further research in the area of Service-Learning Programs as a way to enhance the social and academic engagement of at-risk students. Research indicates a relationship between the formation of citizenship and school experiences. Youniss and Yates (1997) reported that the formation of citizenship is a developmental process. Through careful review and statistical analysis of previous studies, they found a significant relationship between adult levels of social engagement, sense of social responsibility, and the amount of participation in organized activities and civic behaviors they experienced as youth, 15 or more years earlier. The study concluded that adults who participated as students in high school government or community service projects are more likely to vote and to join community organizations than are adults who did not participate in government or community service. Secondly, research results support a link between academic responsibility and social responsibility. Scales, Blyth, Berkas, and Kielsmeier (2000) reported that students who are academically responsible are more likely to become socially responsible. While in school, students are expected to abide by certain rules and regulations. By building a bridge from the school community to the civic community, students will be more likely to follow rules and regulations in all areas of life (Scales et al.). Finally, research identifies the need for further research to be conducted in the area of Service-Learning. Cynthia L. White (2000) found that engaging students academically and socially was an imminent challenge for educators. Often, teachers encounter disengaged students who may be on a path to school drop out. Based on a study to determine how seventh grade students' educational and social engagement was affected when they participated in a summer Service-Learning orientation program, White recommended the need for further research in the area of Service-Learning Programs as a way to enhance the social and academic engagement of at-risk students. Service-Learning Intervention Mintz and Liu (1994) reported that Service-Learning is a teaching and learning method that connects meaningful community service experience with academic learning, personal growth, and civic responsibility. The Corporation for National and Community Service (2002) reported that Service-Learning combines service to a community and student learning in a positive way. This is thought to result in improvement of both the student and the community. Involving students in Service-Learning activities was one of the objectives established under the third National Education Goal for the year 2000, which sought to prepare students for responsible citizenship (Corporation for National Service, 1999). …

Research paper thumbnail of Focus on Technology: Alleviating the Digital Divide in the United States

Childhood Education, 2016

Research paper thumbnail of The Charge Is Ours: Teaching Elementary School Mathematics through Best Practices and Common Core Initiatives

The Delta Kappa Gamma bulletin, 2015

As a university professor of elementary education whose primary focus is to train preservice and ... more As a university professor of elementary education whose primary focus is to train preservice and practicing teachers in the best methods for teaching primary and middle grade mathematics, I have encountered countless dispositions and preconceived notions of what it means to be a quality mathematics teacher. The old-fashioned methodology of having one's students work the even problems from the assigned text during class and the odd problems for homework surprisingly still exists among many. Research has shown the need for instructional shifts in the mathematics classroom for many years (Mathematics Association of America [MAA], 2008). However, the present evolution of public educational systems has changed what was once merely a research-based indication of the need for an instructional change to a full-on demand for such a shift through the Common Core State Standards.The Common Core State Standards have called for significant shifts within the mathematics curriculum."These...

Research paper thumbnail of Service-Learning and Student Attitudes

Academic Exchange Quarterly, Mar 22, 2006

Abstract This study sought to investigate the effects of the Lighthouse Partnership After-School ... more Abstract This study sought to investigate the effects of the Lighthouse Partnership After-School Service-Learning Program on middle school students' attitudes and actions related to social and academic responsibility. Results indicated that the Lafayette Middle School students participating in the Lighthouse Partnership After-School Service-Learning Program showed statistically significant increases in Social and Academic Responsibility scores. Introduction Our nation is starving for dutiful citizens who will help care for each other and our country. The National Commission on Civic Renewal (1998) reported a rapid decline in both the quantity and quality of citizen engagement. It stated that "our overall civic condition is weaker than it was--and in need of significant improvement" (p. 23). The report recommended more research be conducted to determine how educators might rebuild positive citizen engagement from within the school system. Such engagement is thought to result in a more active and productive American society and government. The National Commission on Civic Renewal does not stand alone with the notion that positive citizen engagement may be rebuilt from within the school system. Current research indicates a relationship between the formation of citizenship and school experiences, a link between academic responsibility and social responsibility, and identifies the need for further research in the area of Service-Learning Programs as a way to enhance the social and academic engagement of at-risk students. Research indicates a relationship between the formation of citizenship and school experiences. Youniss and Yates (1997) reported that the formation of citizenship is a developmental process. Through careful review and statistical analysis of previous studies, they found a significant relationship between adult levels of social engagement, sense of social responsibility, and the amount of participation in organized activities and civic behaviors they experienced as youth, 15 or more years earlier. The study concluded that adults who participated as students in high school government or community service projects are more likely to vote and to join community organizations than are adults who did not participate in government or community service. Secondly, research results support a link between academic responsibility and social responsibility. Scales, Blyth, Berkas, and Kielsmeier (2000) reported that students who are academically responsible are more likely to become socially responsible. While in school, students are expected to abide by certain rules and regulations. By building a bridge from the school community to the civic community, students will be more likely to follow rules and regulations in all areas of life (Scales et al.). Finally, research identifies the need for further research to be conducted in the area of Service-Learning. Cynthia L. White (2000) found that engaging students academically and socially was an imminent challenge for educators. Often, teachers encounter disengaged students who may be on a path to school drop out. Based on a study to determine how seventh grade students' educational and social engagement was affected when they participated in a summer Service-Learning orientation program, White recommended the need for further research in the area of Service-Learning Programs as a way to enhance the social and academic engagement of at-risk students. Service-Learning Intervention Mintz and Liu (1994) reported that Service-Learning is a teaching and learning method that connects meaningful community service experience with academic learning, personal growth, and civic responsibility. The Corporation for National and Community Service (2002) reported that Service-Learning combines service to a community and student learning in a positive way. This is thought to result in improvement of both the student and the community. Involving students in Service-Learning activities was one of the objectives established under the third National Education Goal for the year 2000, which sought to prepare students for responsible citizenship (Corporation for National Service, 1999). …

Research paper thumbnail of Focus on Technology: Alleviating the Digital Divide in the United States

Childhood Education, 2016